The road was long, but Shell’s announcement was a welcome exclamation point on what has been a risky and unnecessary push for Arctic oil. Millions of Americans, from the northernmost villages in Alaska all the way to Florida, have spoken out time and again that the Arctic is no place for oil drilling. Opposition against Arctic drilling has been growing, but this summer saw public outcry come to a head as the “kayaktivism” movement was born in Seattle. And in July, citizens across the country banded together for the “Shell No” Day of Action. With more than 20 events in 15 different states – which included speeches by a U.S. Senator, a Congresswoman, and numerous other local elected officials – the nationwide protest continued the kayaktivist movement that began in Seattle, and called on President Obama to stop Shell – or any other oil company – from drilling in the Arctic Ocean. And the world turned its attention to Shell yet again when its damaged Fennica icebreaker was delayed leaving Portland, Oregon due to additional protests.

This victory is a fitting end to a drilling effort that will forever be known for Shell’s repeated missteps and blunders, and we couldn’t have done it without your support. Moving to develop Arctic oil, the production of which would still be decades away, would be feeding our addiction to fossil fuels at a time when we should be focused on developing and moving clean, cheap and efficient forms of renewable energy into the mainstream.

We are at a critical juncture for our planet – the Arctic is warming at twice the rate of the rest of the planet, a frightening thought when you realize we seem to be setting new temperature records every year. As sea ice continues to decline and Arctic waters are quickly becoming more acidic, one powerful way we can slow the effects of climate change is to limit the amount of fossil fuels we are burning, and an effective way to do that is by not opening up new areas – like the Arctic – to intensive drilling.

Climate change is at our doorstep. Arctic communities and iconic wildlife are feeling the heat of a warming Arctic. As Shell leaves with its tail between its legs, President Obama should seize on this historic opportunity to look forward and protect the Arctic for our children and our climate future.

Alaska Wilderness League leads the effort to preserve Alaska’s wild lands and waters by engaging citizens and decision makers with a courageous, constant, victorious voice for Alaska. Visit the website of our sister organization Alaska Wilderness Action to learn more about its legislative and political advocacy to protect Alaska’s wild places.